Obituary for Erik Paine Brady
Erik Paine Brady, 49, passed away at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on October 10, 2022. In Salem he leaves behind his mother, Emily Paine Carter; sister, Caroline Brady Velasquez: nephews, Lennon and Collier, and niece, Adeline. In TN, he is survived by his father, Robert Thomas Brady; stepmother, Sharon Brady; stepsister, Mary Dianne and her husband, Jeb and their sons, Jake, and Sam. He’ll be missed by his Uncle David and Aunt Maria of CT; his treasured godmother, Caroline Waldrop Haddock, and friends that felt like family who hail from Virginia to New York, Seattle to Spain, and beyond.
Erik’s wit was unmatched. He was voted “Wittiest” in his high school class—and even though Mom and Sister were given the same honor, they bowed to his skill. And he was delighted that Lennon, Adeline, and Collier joined in the banter. His timing was impeccable and if the joke was “too soon” or one “shouldn’t go there”— he said it sooner, and he went there.
He had the mind of an engineer but the secret heart of a kind social worker.
Erik could usually be found following the music. The breadth and depth of his musical knowledge and archives: breath-taking. He started trading tapes in middle school and by high school he was connecting with other archivists internationally. He earned his BA in Psychology from UVa and spent his third year in Madrid through St. Louis University, where he ran the school’s computer lab while taking classes and catching live shows throughout Europe.
He remained bilingual all his life, although most might not know it. Erik could boast (but didn’t) a host of talents and Guinness Records-worthy achievements: say, perfect attendance K-12th grade (!) -- despite asthma; and over 6K concerts attended.
Just as late grandparents Dr. Bob & Alice Paine had taught, Erik believed good deeds should be done quietly. (His late Uncle Bob Paine of Atlanta admired that effort too.)
To be involved in a vibrant music scene, he spent 20 years in New York City. He archived shows at small venues nightly—a pastime that merited a feature in the New York Press. He had an acumen for finding talent well before anyone else did—in theater as well. He also found the best burgers, Sunday brunches, and late-night hot spots the city offers, and he did so alongside a most wonderfully unique, hilarious, precious group of friends he cherished and paid homage to regularly.
All the while, Erik held accounting positions at Brooklyn Brewery and other companies. If pressed, he might eventually mention deejaying a celebrity's party or suggesting some particular music to Someone Famous while also working at Tower Records.
He was good at his craft but was quick to point out his frustration with the tendency to focus on WHAT someone does instead of WHO they are. Recently, he valued working with the autistic in Richmond.
A celebration of Erik’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to SVH Services (the parent organization for the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center) or to the Downtown Music Lab in Roanoke’s Jefferson Center. He’d also be honored if you take a moment to hear, feel, and connect with a song that’s been on your mind lately. Do that in his honor, and then share it.
Erik’s wit was unmatched. He was voted “Wittiest” in his high school class—and even though Mom and Sister were given the same honor, they bowed to his skill. And he was delighted that Lennon, Adeline, and Collier joined in the banter. His timing was impeccable and if the joke was “too soon” or one “shouldn’t go there”— he said it sooner, and he went there.
He had the mind of an engineer but the secret heart of a kind social worker.
Erik could usually be found following the music. The breadth and depth of his musical knowledge and archives: breath-taking. He started trading tapes in middle school and by high school he was connecting with other archivists internationally. He earned his BA in Psychology from UVa and spent his third year in Madrid through St. Louis University, where he ran the school’s computer lab while taking classes and catching live shows throughout Europe.
He remained bilingual all his life, although most might not know it. Erik could boast (but didn’t) a host of talents and Guinness Records-worthy achievements: say, perfect attendance K-12th grade (!) -- despite asthma; and over 6K concerts attended.
Just as late grandparents Dr. Bob & Alice Paine had taught, Erik believed good deeds should be done quietly. (His late Uncle Bob Paine of Atlanta admired that effort too.)
To be involved in a vibrant music scene, he spent 20 years in New York City. He archived shows at small venues nightly—a pastime that merited a feature in the New York Press. He had an acumen for finding talent well before anyone else did—in theater as well. He also found the best burgers, Sunday brunches, and late-night hot spots the city offers, and he did so alongside a most wonderfully unique, hilarious, precious group of friends he cherished and paid homage to regularly.
All the while, Erik held accounting positions at Brooklyn Brewery and other companies. If pressed, he might eventually mention deejaying a celebrity's party or suggesting some particular music to Someone Famous while also working at Tower Records.
He was good at his craft but was quick to point out his frustration with the tendency to focus on WHAT someone does instead of WHO they are. Recently, he valued working with the autistic in Richmond.
A celebration of Erik’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to SVH Services (the parent organization for the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center) or to the Downtown Music Lab in Roanoke’s Jefferson Center. He’d also be honored if you take a moment to hear, feel, and connect with a song that’s been on your mind lately. Do that in his honor, and then share it.